Fife-based Donaldson Timber Engineering appoints new MD

Luke Roberts

JAMES Donaldson & Sons has appointed Luke Roberts as MD for Donaldson Timber Engineering (DTE), succeeding Jonathan Fellingham who has held the role for the past ten years.

Fife-headquartered DTE is a manufacturer of roof trusses, engineered joists, beams and spandrel panels.

Luke joined the business in 2007 as team leader for I-Joists at the company’s Ilkeston branch, then became general manager Ilkeston Joists in 2011. He was promoted to business development director in 2017, responsible for leading the technical sales team, mentoring the internal Assistant General Manager (AGM) programme and developing strategies for products and services.

Described as having particular expertise in open web joists, he also played a key role in the development of DTE’s health and safety product, SafeWell, a reusable and adjustable stairwell protection kit made from timber.

Scott Cairns, group MD at Donaldson Group said, “Since joining the business, Luke has proved himself time and time again in understanding what it takes to succeed, while ensuring that his esteem for colleagues and customers builds a mutual trust and respect from all. His integrity, ability and moral compass are unquestioned. DTE is an incredibly important part of our family group, and I can think of no-one better to head this market-leading business.

“This appointment reflects the board’s confidence in Luke and the leadership team, and in the continued execution of the company’s strategy as well as the development of its culture and values.”

Luke Roberts added, “I feel extremely honoured to have been appointed as MD, and am proud to be leading a company with such an excellent reputation and remarkable history. This is an exciting time for the business, as we continue to position DTE as the UK’s leader in engineered timber products.”